Home > News > Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary > December 2011 > Wednesday, December 14, 2011 (AM)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 (AM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
REPORTER: Today, in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, a Korean organization set up a statue symbolizing the issue of the military comfort women. I believe up to now the Japanese Government had requested the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to stop the installation. What are the Government's thoughts on this?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: It is with much regret that the Korean civil organization went ahead with the construction of the monument of the "comfort woman" in front of the Japanese Embassy in the ROK today, December 14. Up to today, we have repeatedly requested the Government of the ROK through diplomatic channels to stop the construction. We intend to again make the same request to the ROK Government through diplomatic channels.
REPORTER: I believe President Lee Myung-bak will be visiting Japan this weekend. Will this matter have any impact on his visit to Japan? Also, does Prime Minister Noda intend to directly convey protest to the ROK President? In addition, how do you view the impact on Japan-ROK relations?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: At this moment, I understand that there are no changes to the President's forthcoming visit to Japan. Also, to date this issue has been dealt with through diplomatic channels, and with today's incident, we will continue to make further requests through diplomatic channels. I believe that will be the extent of the impact.
REPORTER: Do you believe there will be any impact on Japan-ROK relations in particular?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As was the case in past meetings between the President and the Prime Minister, I believe the two leaders will again discuss the issues of broader bilateral relations
(Abridged)
REPORTER: If I can confirm with you, you mentioned a moment ago that there are no changes to the scheduling of the ROK President's visit to Japan. To confirm, the ROK President will be visiting Japan on December 17 and 18? Is that correct?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Saturday and Sunday, so yes the scheduled dates are December 17 and 18. This has already been announced, correct? It has.
